Bus

National Bus Pass

National Bus Pass

Proof of disability

Proof of disability

You may be eligible for a National Bus Pass if you have a disability that is considered permanent, or is likely to last at least 12 months. The disability should have a substantial effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.

There are seven disability categories:

Blind or partially sighted

Profoundly or severely deaf

Without speech

Severe difficulty in walking

Without arms or has a long-term loss of the use of both arms

Learning Disability

Unfit to hold a driving licence

Further information about the eligibility criteria for each category, as well as guidance about providing evidence of disability, is listed below:

Category 2a: Blind or partially sighted

A person can be registered as sight impaired (partially sighted) if they have a full field of vision but can only read the top letters of the eye test chart at a distance of 6 metres or less (with glasses if worn).

A letter from the Sensory Team at Devon County Council confirming registration as blind or partially sighted

A Certificate of Visual Impairment (CVI) signed by a Consultant Ophthalmologist

Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides)

Category 2b: Profoundly or severely deaf

A severe hearing loss is defined as being between 70-95 dBHL, a profound hearing loss is defined as being above 95 dBHL.

An audiological report or a report from an aural specialist confirming that the applicant is registrable as profoundly or severely deaf

Category 2c: Without speech

Unable to communicate orally in any language (does not include those whose speech is slow or difficult to understand, for example, due to a severe stammer).

Personal Independence Payment with a score of eight points or more for the ‘Communicating verbally’ activity

Category 2d: Has a disability, or has suffered an injury, which has a substantial and long-term, adverse effect on their ability to walk

Proof in this category may be checked periodically depending on the type of proof provided.

Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component

Personal Independence Payment with a score of eight points or more for the ‘Moving around’ activity

Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)

War Pension with mobility supplement award

Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides)

Applicants who are unable to provide one of the eligibility proofs listed above may be offered an independent medical assessment upon submission of medical evidence which indicates that the applicant is likely to be eligible due to their reduced mobility

Category 2e: Does not have arms or has long-term loss of the use of both arms

Disability Living Allowance with higher rate mobility component

Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides)

Letter on official paper from a medical professional confirming the applicant has long-term loss of the use of both arms

Category 2f: Has a learning disability

Defined by the Department for Transport for the purposes of the National Bus Pass scheme as a state of arrested or incomplete development of mind which includes significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. The disability must have started before adulthood and have a lasting effect on development.

This definition of a learning disability should not be confused with learning difficulties/disabilities such as ADHD, Dyslexia, or high-functioning Autism/Aspergers. A person with a learning disability will have an IQ of less than 70 and have significant difficulties managing routine daily tasks.

(Over 18 years old) a letter from Adult Social Care confirming applicant is registered as an adult with an evidenced learning disability and is open to learning disability services from DCC – this does not include short-term enabling assistance

Category 2g: Unfit to Drive for medical reasons

The applicant would, if they applied for a licence to drive a motor vehicle under part III of the Road Traffic Act 1988, have their application refused pursuant to section 92 of that Act (physical fitness).The misuse of drugs or alcohol is not covered under this scheme.Proof in this category may be checked periodically depending on the type of proof provided.

Letter from DVLA giving notice of refusal or withdrawal of licence

Current Devon-issued disabled persons Blue Badge (please supply a photocopy of both sides)

Letter on official paper from a medical professional confirming a specified medical condition which renders the applicant ineligible for a driving licence, such as:

Epilepsy (dependent on circumstances)

Restricted visual development (inability to read a registration plate in good light at 20.5 metres with lenses if worn)

Severe mental disorder

Another long term medical condition expected to last for at least 12 months that would cause a licence to be withdrawn or refused

War veterans in receipt of a War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or compensation for an injury in tariffs 1-8 of the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme are likely to qualify for a National Bus Pass in one of the above categories.

Any Blue Badge must be valid for more than 12 months and be issued by Devon County Council.

Any Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment award documents must be no older than 12 months and show both the allowance awarded and the period of the award.

Please note: the Department for Transport strongly advises against using your GP to verify that you meet the criteria for a concessionary travel pass as this approach may compromise the doctor / patient relationship. In the case of assessment of fitness to hold a driving licence due to, for example, epilepsy or mental health problems, a neurologist or mental health professional are often best placed to assess eligibility due to their professional knowledge of the DVLA’s fitness to drive standards.

Photocopies of original documents are preferred. Devon County Council can accept no responsibility for original documents.